6 February 2003

Snow, snow and more snow...
It's been epic. The last month has probably been one of the best of my life - in terms of snow conditions, skiing, and generally having a great laugh.

The 24 Planet Subzero guys arrived in Vallandry at the start of Jan, in the middle of a snow storm. And it doesn't seem to have stopped dumping yet. We've never seen anything like it (or at least not since the 98/99 winter). Waist deep powder everywhere! Everyone's been buzzing on a complete adrenalin hit for the last month. Powder grins, followed by party hard. I'm sure it'll catch up with us soon, but for the moment, still going strong!

Riding to Bourg?
Bearing in mind the very high avalanche danger, and that the resort's only had a few lifts open for the last few days, we've been ripping it up. Vallandry is well known for its trees (the legendary 69), so we've been hammering round the woods all over Vallandry, and down to Nancroix (opposite La Plagne's north face of the Bellecote). There's even talk of being able to ride down to Bourg.

You know it's good when you meet the offpiste guides from Val d'Isere out on a jolly cos the conditions over there aren't as good! There's no such thing as a down day here, and some of our best riding has been zipping through the trees in a complete white-out. And with such soft landings everywhere, the boys have been getting mega competitive - launching themselves of rocks (I would play too but already disobeying doctors orders by skiing with broken thumb) . Just a shame Tracker's head cam decided not to work properly on probably the best day of the season. Still, the skiing with Chamois will still be special - even if its not on film.

Better and better...
Gossip wise - there's too much to mention! And wouldn't want to name names anyway (but if you want to know, check out the fortnightly reports on the Planet Subzero site). Suffice to say, that after just a month, the Planet Subzero seasonaires are getting on like they've known each other for years, and have been having an absolute ball. The atmosphere in resort is amazing (everyone's sooooo happy with the snow!), and with loads of last winter's faces back on holiday for a week last week, there's been plenty of excuses to party.

We've had the mini huckfest - kicker outside the chalet, the Arpette descent - jackass cheese fest, get pissed, dance on tables and ski down from the mountain restaurant in a snowstorm, bowling - nothing changes in Les Arcs but we love it, Funky Biscus in the Marlu, Drum and Bass night in the Mont Blanc, lots of Wednesday seasonaire nights, and ... lots and lots of random drinking (no excuse needed).

Think the pace in the chalets has chilled out a bit since Dave and James (the 'sensible' barrister one) left last weekend. Everyone's definitely missing them loads, and Bec was so sad to leave she couldn't face it and has stayed on. Look forward to seeing Michelle and Rob back soon too. Bye for now ...

Report from Steph Lightfoot - Natives Resort Reporter in Les Arcs

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